McBrearty, McHugh, and Ó Baoill return to Donegal starting XV for Derry clash

Donegal has been boosted by the return of Kilcar duo Patrick McBrearty and Ryan McHugh to the starting XV as Jim McGuinness announces his squad for tomorrow’s Ulster championship clash with Derry in Celtic Park (throw-in at 6.15). 

The Glenties man makes four changes to the starting team from his side’s 0-15 to 0-14 Division 2 final win over Armagh in Croke Park last month, with team captain McBrearty, half-back McHugh, and Gaoth Dobhair star Daire Ó Baoill all making comebacks from injuries picked up in the league. 

Naomh Conaill man Odhran Doherty who came on in the Division 2 final at half time on Easter Sunday also comes into the starting team, which sees Kavin McGettigan, Jason McGee and Luke McGlynn dropped to the bench, while Caolan McColgan, who played for an hour in Croke Park against Armagh, is not named in the 26. 

McBrearty, McHugh and Ó Baoill all sustained injuries during Donegal’s final home game in the league against Meath last month which saw McGuinness’s side cruise to a 1-18 to 1-10 victory in MacCumhaill Park. 

Ciarán Moore will come in for his championship debut as he partners Mark Curran and Peadar Mogan in the full-back line, but who picks up Derry ace Shane McGuigan remains to be seen.  

McHugh makes his return in the number five jersey, while Caolan McGonagle and Shane O’Donnell take up their usual positions this season in the half-back line. 

But perhaps the most interesting match-up will be to see how the Division 2 Man of the Match Ciarán Thompson, and Michael Langan cope against the presence of Glen’s Conor Glass and Slaughtneil's Brendan Rogers who continue their imposing partnership in midfield. 

Naomh Columba’s Aaron Doherty, who kicked the winner for Donegal in Croke Park last month, retains his starting position in the full-forward line alongside McBrearty and Oisin Gallen, while Donegal have a plethora of experience off the bench with Brendan McCole and Jamie Brennan being recalled to the panel. 

Donegal team to face Derry: Shaun Patton; Mark Curran, Ciarán Moore, Peadar Mogan; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Shane O'Donnell; Ciarán Thompson, Michael Langan; Odhrán Doherty, Niall O'Donnell, Dáire Ó Baoill; Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen, Aaron Doherty.